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Exodus 3:13 - Divine name's eternal mystery?

Exodus 3:13 - שמות 3:13

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי בָא אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתִּי לָהֶם אֱלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵיכֶם שְׁלָחַנִי אֲלֵיכֶם וְאָמְרוּ־לִי מַה־שְּׁמוֹ מָה אֹמַר אֲלֵהֶם׃

English Translation

And Moshe said to God, Behold, when I come to the children of Yisra᾽el, and shall say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say to them?

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-ha'Elohim, hineh anochi ba el-bnei Yisrael ve'amarti lahem, Elohei avoteichem sh'lachani aleichem, ve'amru-li mah-sh'mo, mah omar alehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶל־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֣י בָא֮ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְאָמַרְתִּ֣י לָהֶ֔ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣נִי אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם וְאָֽמְרוּ־לִ֣י מַה־שְּׁמ֔וֹ מָ֥ה אֹמַ֖ר אֲלֵהֶֽם׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶל־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֣י בָא֮ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְאָמַרְתִּ֣י לָהֶ֔ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣נִי אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם וְאָֽמְרוּ־לִ֣י מַה־שְּׁמ֔וֹ מָ֥ה אֹמַ֖ר אֲלֵהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Moshe's Question About the Divine Name

The verse (Shemot 3:13) records Moshe's concern about how Bnei Yisrael will respond when he tells them that "the God of your fathers" has sent him. Rashi explains that Moshe anticipated their skepticism—they would demand to know God's specific name, as names reflect divine attributes and the nature of His relationship with His people. This reflects a deeper theological question about how God would manifest Himself in the upcoming redemption.

The Significance of "God of Your Fathers"

Ramban notes that Moshe initially refers to God as Elokei Avoteichem ("God of your fathers") to emphasize continuity with the covenant made with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. However, the people—familiar with Egyptian paganism, where gods had multiple names and roles—would seek clarity on which aspect of the Divine was now intervening on their behalf.

Why the Need for a Name?

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:6) suggests that Bnei Yisrael, steeped in exile, had begun to doubt whether the God of their ancestors still remembered them. Moshe's question reflects their spiritual state: they needed reassurance that the same God who made promises to the Avot was now acting to fulfill them. The Sforno adds that knowing God's name would allow them to call upon Him in prayer with confidence.

Traditional Interpretations of the Question

  • Rashi: The people would ask, "What is His name?" to understand by what merit they would be redeemed—whether through their own righteousness or the merit of their forefathers.
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:63): Names of God represent His actions in the world. The request for a name reflects a desire to understand how God would relate to them in this new era of redemption.
  • Malbim: Moshe foresaw that the people would question whether this was the same God their ancestors worshipped or a new manifestation. The demand for a name was a test of authenticity.

Theological Implications

The exchange highlights a foundational Jewish concept: God relates to humanity in different ways at different times (as later expressed in His response, "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh"). The Ohr HaChaim explains that Moshe sought to convey not just a name but an understanding of God's hashgacha pratit (divine providence) in their imminent redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 9b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the names of God and how Moses was instructed to respond to the Israelites.
📖 Shabbat 88b
The verse is mentioned in the context of the revelation at Sinai and the communication between God and Moses.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
Cited in a discussion about the attributes of God and the mission of Moses to the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe ask for God's name in Exodus 3:13?
A: Moshe asked for God's name because he anticipated that Bnei Yisrael would want to know which Divine aspect was sending him. According to Rashi, they would ask which of God's attributes (mercy, justice, etc.) was being revealed to them now, as they were familiar with God's different names from their ancestors.
Q: What is the significance of God's response 'Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh' in the next verse?
A: God responds with 'Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh' (I Will Be What I Will Be), indicating that His presence is eternal and unchanging. Rambam explains that this name signifies God's necessary existence—He was, is, and will always be the same. It reassures Bnei Yisrael that the same God of their ancestors is with them now in their suffering.
Q: Why is knowing God's name important in Judaism?
A: In Judaism, God's names represent different ways He interacts with the world. The name Y-H-V-H (the Tetragrammaton) signifies mercy, as Rashi explains, while Elokim represents justice. Knowing which name is used helps us understand the context of God's relationship with us at any given time.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish concept of mesorah (tradition)?
A: Moshe mentions 'the God of your fathers,' emphasizing continuity. The Midrash teaches that this reassured Bnei Yisrael that the same God who made covenants with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov was now redeeming them. This reinforces the importance of mesorah—trusting in the eternal covenant passed down through generations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's hesitation in this verse?
A: Moshe's carefulness teaches the importance of clarity when representing God's word. The Talmud (Berachos 33b) derives from here that one must be precise in spiritual matters. Moshe wanted to ensure he could answer Bnei Yisrael's questions properly, showing leaders must prepare thoroughly when guiding others in Torah.